"This regulation coming to fruition is a perfect example of an industry looking to do the right thing," Bob Bauer, NAOOA president, said in a press release. "The NAOOA approached officials, explained the problem and worked through the entire process to help bring about this new regulation."

The regulation was needed, Bauer said, because no federal standard of identity exists for olive oil.

"Meanwhile, the International Olive Council–a group formed by the United Nations–through the expertise of olive oil experts around the world, has had a standard in place for years that's followed by the overwhelming majority of the industry. For example, a condition of NAOOA membership is that members must agree to adhere to the IOC standard."

Bauer said Connecticut is the first state to adopt the IOC standard. As of Jan. 1, California also has standard that nearly matches the IOC standard. NAOOA hopes to get other states involved.

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